Stories

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1. 

   What Our Researchers Discovered This Year – and What They're Dreaming of Next

   Science never stands still in our parks. Every day, researchers, keepers, vets and curators deepen their understanding of the animals we take care of and protect – both here and in their natural habitats. It’s time to reflect on a year of findings that truly impact animal welfare, conservation and species management. And, as always, our scientists are already looking forward, because there are still so many questions waiting for answers.

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2. 

   A Look Inside the Head of an Asiatic Lion: Yarzar Under the Scanner

   Asiatic lions are extremely rare, and highly vulnerable. Only about 350 remain in the wild. This makes the species particularly at risk, and maintaining a healthy reserve population in zoos is vitally important. Every Asiatic lion plays a crucial role in safeguarding the future of the species. At Planckendael ZOO, we do everything we can to protect these endangered big cats. That’s why young Yarzar recently underwent an extensive medical examination, including both an MRI and a CT scan.

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3. 

   Hope for Elephant Calves: A Promising Vaccine Against Herpes

   The elephant herpesvirus (EEHV) poses a significant threat to young elephants worldwide, both in zoos and in the wild. Since the passing of young elephant Qiyo in 2018, ZOO Planckendael has been closely involved in the development of a vaccine. Thanks to blood samples and a contribution of €80,700, crucial scientific research has been conducted. The vaccine is now being tested for the first time on adult elephants.

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4. 

   In the hearts of tortoises

   Some very special patients on the examination table at Antwerp ZOO’s veterinary facility: three radiated tortoises recently underwent an echocardiographic examination. ‘These tests are crucial for drawing up reference values that will help us make a worldwide contribution towards improving the diagnosis and treatment of this species,’ explains veterinarian Jonas Spruyt.

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5. 

   Stop EEHV: A big step forward in the battle against elephant herpes

   In 2018, the elephant calf Qiyo from ZOO Planckendael unexpectedly died from the effects of the elephant herpes virus. This loss deeply affected both the zoo and its visitors, and it marked the start of a large-scale fundraising effort that enabled further research into the deadly virus. Time for an update!

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6. 

   A ‘first’ at Antwerp ZOO: Never before performed knee surgery provides an okapi with a pain-free future

   Antwerp ZOO’s smallest okapi is once again putting his best foot forward after a serious knee operation. The operation was an absolute first, as this surgical procedure has never been applied to an okapi before. The animal suffered from knee problems ever since it was born, which would have a negative impact on its mobility and general quality of life in the long term.

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7. 

   Cape Town’s penguins set free again

   African penguins in Cape Town, South Africa will be able to spread their wings again in freedom in their natural habitat. A severe outbreak of Avian Influenza had put serious pressure on both the animal population in this region and the Seabird Rescue Centre of SANCCOB (Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds). Thanks to financial support from Antwerp ZOO and other helpers, the birds can now be released into the wild again.

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8. 

   Brand-new library for ZOO research

   The European Association for Zoos and Aquariums (EAZA) and the Verband der Zoologischen Gärten (VdZ) proudly announce the opening of a brand-new international digital library. The ambitious project has been given the name ‘Zoo Science Library’ and will contain academic publications from all over the world. Every research project in this e-library was conducted with the involvement of a modern zoo. Our own Centre for Research and Conservation (CRC) has also contributed to this unique project.

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9. 

   Covid research in ZOO mammals

   The corona pandemic doesn’t only affect humans, but animals as well. In collaboration with the University of Antwerp, we searched for the presence of the COVID-19- virus in 1.116 manure samples from the mammals of ZOO Antwerp and ZOO Planckendael.

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10. 

    Halt herpes

    Antwerp ZOO & Planckendael ZOO collaborate with Utrecht University in a scientific quest to develop a vaccine against herpes in elephants. In our own lab our researchers are also seeking to identify symptoms that trigger the virus.

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11. 

    Animal Welfare Science

    Animal welfare is high on our agenda, that’s why we have our own animal welfare scientist. Her job is to initiate, develop and conduct zoo-based research projects aimed at better understanding the welfare state of the animals in our care.

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12. 

    A second life for Dana

    Science, nature and education are the three major pillars our founders envisioned. In light of that, the skeleton of a deceased giraffe is being reassembled at the University of Antwerp, so that students can use it.

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